'Revenge': 'FlashForward' alum cast as Emily's newest pawn

Just as the body count is about to rise on ABC’s buzzy soap Revenge, a source tells EW that the show will make up for that by introducing yet another new character, played by FlashForward and Law & Order: Criminal Intent alum Courtney B. Vance. Vance is contracted to guest star on the series, beginning with episode 16, the hour that follows Revenge‘s big engagement party episode, “Chaos,” airing Feb. 15. (The series’ next new installment, episode 14, titled “Perception,” will air Feb. 8.)

Vance’s character factors into the aftermath of the beach murder. He’s been tapped for four episodes and will play a loyal employee of the Conrad (Henry Czerny) and Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe) and described as someone “who gets caught up in a public scandal and romantic entanglement that Emily [Emily VanCamp] will leverage to further her agenda against Conrad and Victoria.” Where most see a new face around Southampton, the devilish Emily clearly sees a new target.

Because of the big reveal that’s coming at the end of episode 15 on Feb. 15 — we’ll find out the shooter and shootee in that engagement party beach scene that was teased in Revenge‘s series premiere — we can’t reveal much more about how Vance’s character fits into the plot of the story exactly. But just know this: It’s smart, shocking, and maybe just a little bit…legal? You know someone is going to be needing a little legal untangling after being fingered for that oceanside murder.

Vance is known for his roles in The Preacher’s Wife, Dangerous Minds, and 12 Angry Men and was most recently seen on the big screen in Final Destination 5. He’s married to actor Angela Bassett.